Knowing what kind of grass will flourish in your Ontario yard, isn’t always easy without expert guidance. You may be ‘green’ with envy over your friends lush, green lawn, but they live in another part of Canada, and you’re not sure if the same grass will thrive here in Ontario.
Working with professional lawn care companies in London, Ontario is the simplest and most cost-effective way to get a stunning sod grass lawn that looks great, all year-round.
But if you plan to lay your own sod, or are simply interested in what grasses work best in local weather conditions, here is a brief guide:
The importance of sod selection
The type of sod grass you choose for your yard largely dictates how often you’ll need to water it, how often you’ll need to fertilize it, and how well it will survive in the winters and summers of Ontario.
When selecting sod, it’s important to consider the following:
- Climate compatibility
For a long-lasting lawn that does more than merely survive, you must choose a type of grass that can cope with the cold during winter, the changeable conditions of spring, and the often intense heat of summer. Choose one that isn’t suited to the specific climate, and no matter how hard you try to preserve it, it will always fail in one way or another.
- Soil conditions
Certain types of grass are better performers in soil that is predominately clay, while other types demand conditions that are sandy and well-draining to thrive. Once you’ve understood what type of soil is in your yard, you can select a sod that will quickly establish, and quickly develop a deep root system.
- Sunlight exposure
Some grass types require full sunlight in order to thrive, while others do better in conditions that are slightly shadier. By pairing the type of sod to the light conditions in your yard, you’re far more likely to achieve a lawn that performs consistently well.
- Maintenance
If you choose a type of sod that needs a lot of watering, and you’re not in a position to manage that for whatever reason, your lawn could soon start to let you down. Other sods may demand regular maintenance and fertilizer, while some don’t need as much care. Align your lawn with your lifestyle and capabilities, and you’re more likely to be rewarded with a healthy lawn.
What are the most common types of sod grass in Ontario?
To help you choose the right type of sod for your Ontario lawn, here are some of the most common types:
- Kentucky bluegrass – when conditions are right, this tends to be the preferred choice for home and business owners in Ontario.
- Tall fescue – incredibly durable, this is fast becoming the most popular choice for low-maintenance lawns.
- Fine fescue – where many other types of grass may struggle, fine fescue varieties tend to flourish, adaptable as they are to shade, drought and fertilization.
What is the best type of sod for your property?
Consider the following questions when matching the sod type to the conditions specific to your yard:
Q: Is it often in full sun?
If yes, then tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass are the best choice, responding well as they do to a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis.
Q: Is it partially shaded?
Tall fescue blends that are tolerant to shade, or fine fescue varieties are the best choice for partially shaded lawns, requiring only 4 to 6 hours of daily sunlight or filtered light, and no full sun exposure.
Q: Does it have clay soil conditions?
Dense soil that doesn’t drain well is common in Ontario, demanding a type of grass that can still establish in such conditions, such as tall fescue.
As any professional company providing lawn mowing in London, Ontario will tell you, sod selection is crucial for a lawn that will continue to bring you pleasure. From weather conditions, to levels of footfall, knowing the specific conditions your lawn will be subject to, should always be carefully considered.
